A thrilling look at two giants of the Elizabethan stage. Born in the same year as Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe died at the age of 29, having revolutionized English dramatic poetry with his dark, exuberant and wildly theatrical plays. The rivalry between these two great poets and Marlowe’s influence on Shakespeare’s work are the subjects of this evening, which features readings from the works of both playwrights and commentary by one of the world’s greatest Shakespeare scholars, James Shapiro (1599, Rival Playwrights and the forthcoming Contested Will).

Lesley Currier discusses her past twenty years as Managing Director at the Marin Shakespeare Company and their current 2009 season. Interviewed by Denise Battista, Editor-in-Chief of PlayShakespeare.com.

Stage and screen actor Steven Skybell talks about his relationship with Shakespeare, Hamlet at the Globe, Richard II, and the power of verse. Interviewed by Michael Sexton, Artistic and Executive Director of The Shakespeare Society.